Canada struck a chilling superchain!

MILANO.

Canada defeated Switzerland in the group stage match of the Olympics with a score of 5-1.

Canada entered the game with the same lineup for the top lines as it had against the Czech Republic. In other words, Connor McDavid initially played between Macklin Celebrini and Tom Wilson. Nathan MacKinnon, on the other hand, played with Nick Suzuki and Brandon Hagelin.

During the game, Canada’s head coach Jon Cooper decided to shake things up. Sidney Crosby’s line remained unchanged, but Cooper formed a super line with three centers for the second top line. Suddenly, McDavid, Celebrini, and MacKinnon were on the ice together. It didn’t take long before the puck was already in the net.

The super line was asked about in the mixed zone after the game.

– There are three really good players. Nate is one of the best players in the world, he plays really fast hockey. I can do the same, and so can Macklin, McDavid commented after the game.

– Sometimes it’s good to just try something during the game to see if it works. It usually helps when you score a goal right in the first shift, McDavid amused the reporters.

– Nate is a special player. I can read well how he moves and where he wants the puck. We have a deep roster anyway, even if the three of us are in the same line.

MacKinnon commented on the new line this way:

– Connor inspires me. He is the best and he pushes me forward. It’s a blessing to play on the same line with him.

Finally, head coach Cooper explained why he made this decision.

– I liked our play until at some point in the first period, I didn’t anymore. There was a good opportunity to try them together. They showed what they needed to, Cooper said.

– They are three incredible players, but you never know in advance if the chemistry will work together. Three centers, two of whom have to play as wingers. All three want the puck and need the puck, but there is only one puck. At that point, everyone has to make a few sacrifices.

– As great as they are with the puck, what was particularly impressive about them was how they played without the puck.

With the line changes, Suzuki moved to the second line as a center. Cooper commented on the move excellently.

– Suzuki is like a Swiss Army knife. He can play even as a goalie if needed.

Jaakko Perttilä
X: @JaakkoPerttila